Patacon

Patacón is a typical Caribbean treat made from green (unripe) plantain. It can vary in size and shape but its essence is the same. Patacón can be served as a snack or as an accompanying dish (usually for fish or steak.)

Recipe

Total Time: 30 min

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 green (unripe) plantain

4 garlic cloves, minced

2.5 tsp salt

2 cups vegetable oil (or enough to deep fry the plantains)

If you buy the green plantain to cook it the next day, store it in the fridge. This will help to stop the ripening process. On the next day, place the plantain in a large bowl and cover it with hot water for about 10 minutes. This will help you to remove the shell easily. If you are using the plantain the same day you buy it, proceed directly with the steps below. 

Steps

1. Remove the top and the bottom of the plantain. Cut the convex side of the shell with a knife from top to bottom

2. Insert the tip of a knife in between the shell and the plantain and use your hands to remove the shell. It will easily start to come off

3. Heat oil in a pot pan over high heat

4. In the meantime place the plantain over a chopping board and cut 1/2 inch slices. You should get about 12 pieces

5. Add the plantain pieces to the oil as soon as it is hot

6. Cook until golden brown and remove from heat

7. Place a piece in between 2 boards. Press the upper board with your hands trying to mash the plantain. Repeat this process with all the pieces

8. Heat the same oil over high heat again

9. In the meantime, add 1 cup of water, salt and garlic to a bowl

10. Soak 3 of the smashed pieces into the garlic water

11. Remove smashed pieces from water and deep fry as soon as the oil is hot

12. Cook until they get crispy

13. Repeat steps 10-12 with the remaining pieces

14. Serve and top with suero (a typical Colombian sour cream,) white cheese, avocado, butter, hogao (a typical Colombian tomato and onion sauce,) or ketchup